To study the biological control of Nipaecoccus viridis (Hem., Pseudococcidae) by Chrysoperla carnea (Neu., Chrysopidae) in citrus orchards of Jahrom, Fars province-Iran

نویسندگان [English]

Abdolrasol Zakerin؛ Karim Zibaiee؛ Majid Fallahzadeh

چکیده [English]

The spherical mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hem., Pseudococcidae), is a serious pest of citrus and other cultural and non-cultural plants in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. This pest was recorded from south of Iran, in Fars, Hormozgan and Khuzestan provinces. The damage of the pest increased high on citrus trees in Jahrom region of Fars-Iran at recent years. High reproductive potential and wide distribution of pest and problems of chemical control have led to a greater need for the use of natural enemies as IPM programs.In present investigation, possibility of biological control of N. viridids by Chrysoperla carnea (Neu., Chrysopidae) in citrus orchards of Jarom was studied during 2004-2005. First instar larvae of green lacewing, C. carnea, were released according to the layout plan. A Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with six treatments and four replications was adopted. For better result, movements of ants on treated trees were prevented by special sticky band. Percentage of fruit infection was considered in the study. The overall results showed that the mealybug can be controlled biologically by green lacewing with three times release of larvae at April 30, May 10 and May 20 at rate of 500 larvae/tree.